Top Policy Advocate Joins CAWG as Director of Government Relations

Date: 10/05/12

The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) has hired Brenda Coleman as its new Director of Government Relations.

“Brenda is well regarded in Sacramento and known for her leadership on climate change, energy and environmental legislation and regulatory issues,” said John Aguirre, CAWG president. “Brenda’s experience in leading and managing coalitions, including the AB 32 Implementation Group, will prove useful in advocating for the interests of California winegrape growers.”

Brenda joins CAWG after working nearly three years as a Policy Advocate for the California Chamber of Commerce, where she led advocacy efforts on behalf of the association’s more than 13,000 member businesses. Before working with the Chamber, Brenda worked as a legislative consultant with a boutique lobbying firm and as Legislative Director of the California Restaurant Association.

“Brenda’s strong leadership skills will help advance CAWG’s state public policy agenda,” said Aguirre. “Her legislative advocacy experience and relationship-building talent will enhance our strategic partnerships with political leaders, regulators and other organizations representing the wine industry.”

Coleman will monitor a wide range of state public policy issues and represent the association before the California Legislature and key regulatory agencies. She will also manage the association’s grassroots activities and work with the CAWG Political Action Committee to promote sound governance by supporting the election of winegrape-friendly candidates.

“I’m excited to work for an association that contributes so much to California – to its agriculture, the preservation of the environment, and to the economy,” said Coleman. “I look forward to the opportunity to promote the strategic goals and objectives of California’s winegrape growers.”

Coleman is a Distinct Honors Graduate with a Master’s in Public Policy from California State University, Long Beach. She is also an honors graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from California State University, Chico.

Coleman starts work for CAWG on Oct. 8

CAWG represents the growers of more than 60 percent of the gross grape tonnage crushed for wine and concentrate in California. The statewide association provides industry leadership to advocate for public policies, research and education programs, sustainable farming practices and trade positions to enhance the business of growing California winegrapes. For more information about CAWG, visit their Web site at www.cawg.org